Texas A&M Post Game Press Conference after Aggies defeat Arkansas 62-56
Texas A&M (19-7, 11-2 SEC) played one of their worst offensive games of the season on Wednesday night, shooting only 35% from the field, but due to their hellacious defensive effort to hold Arkansas to just 56 points on the night, the Aggies defeated the Razorbacks in the rematch 62-56 in front of 11,315 fans inside Reed Arena.
Wade Taylor IV led the game in points with 18, hitting 3-5 from 3-point range, while Dexter Dennis (14 points, 2-3 from 3-point) and Tyrece Radford (12 points, 4-5 FT) provided enough offensive production, including 18-22 from the free throw line to keep the Razorbacks at bay for their fourth straight win in SEC play.
Even at 11-2 in the conference with a firm grip on second place in the SEC standings, Texas A&M isn’t receiving an ounce of praise from multiple “bracket experts” with many still believing the Aggies have more work to do in order to solidify a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Nonetheless, this group just keeps on winning, knowing that their recent actions on the court speak much louder than their early season performances.
After the game, Head coach Buzz Williams and star guard Wade Taylor IV spoke to the local media to discuss the win, and look toward their last five games in the regular season. Here is what both had to say on the night.
Wade Taylor IV's opening statement
Feb 15, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“Shoutout to Hayden Hefner. His 3-pointer (at the end of the first half) was a big momentum swinger. That kept us in.”
Wade Taylor IV on the team message at the half
Feb 15, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4) drives through Arkansas Razorbacks guard Ricky Council IV (1) and forward Makhel Mitchell (22) during the second half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“Just be us. We weren’t us in the first half.”
Wade Taylor IV on the impact the 12 Man made on the night inside Reed Arena
Feb 15, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4) drives through Arkansas Razorbacks guard Ricky Council IV (1) and forward Makhel Mitchell (22) during the second half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“The fans made the game amazing… The 12th Man supporting us, it means a lot.”
Wade Taylor IV on the Aggies' 11-2 start in the SEC this season
Feb 15, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4) drives to the basket during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“It’s amazing. We are having a lot of fun… It’s a blessing to be in this position, and we are going to keep going.”
Head coach Buzz Williams on his team's mentality after rallying late
Feb 15, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Buzz Williams motions during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“They just don’t flinch. They don’t blink… They do a phenomal job of holding one another accountable.”
Head coach Buzz Williams on Reed Arena's impact on the win
Feb 15, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Dexter Dennis (0) celebrates the win over Arkansas Razorbacks with fans at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“It’s getting hard to get a ticket… As a kid, you grow up wanting to be in that position.”
